Portable computing device with a housing secured by a magnetic element and related method

ABSTRACT

Magnetic elements and attractors may be employed to secure a top case and a bottom case of a housing of a personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field and a shunt. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening to a pocket in which the magnet is received. Accordingly, flux leakage may be reduced and the bottom case may be secured to the top case. Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to secure a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing thereof. These magnetic elements and attractors may be centered with respect to proximal and distal edges thereof

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,725filed Jun. 8, 2012 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH A HOUSINGSECURED BY A MAGNETIC ELEMENT AND RELATED METHOD”, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable computing devicewith a magnetic element, and more particularly to a portable computingdevice including a top case and a bottom case secured by a magneticelement and related method.

BACKGROUND

Portable computing devices often employ housings formed at least in partby top and bottom cases. Various components of the portable computingdevices may be stored therein. In this regard, the housing may providethe portable computing device with structure, define an ergonomic formfactor, protect the internal components and/or or perform a variety ofrelated functions.

The top case and the bottom case may be configured to be separable suchthat the internal components of the portable computing device may beserviced, replaced, upgraded, or otherwise accessed. Various embodimentsof fasteners and attachment mechanisms may be employed to secure the topcase and the bottom case together. However, existing embodiments ofattachment mechanisms may be difficult to use.

Accordingly, improved portable computing devices and attachmentmechanisms for housings thereof may be desirable.

SUMMARY

Magnetic fastener arrangements are provided. The magnetic fasteners maycomprise magnetic elements and attractors. The magnetic elements may bereceived in a pocket in a top case of a housing for a personal computingdevice. The attractors may be attached to, or integral with a bottomcase for the personal computing device. The magnetic elements mayinclude at least one magnet and a shunt. The magnet may produce amagnetic field configured to attract the attractor. The shunt may directthe magnetic field through an opening in the pocket such that themagnetic field may attract the attractor while reducing flux leakage. AHall Effect sensor may be employed to detect when there is a change inthe magnetic field associated with opening the rear cover.

Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to releasablysecure a housing to a lid portion of a portable computing device.Magnetic elements and attractors may be respectively coupled to one ofthe lid portion and the housing. The magnetic elements and theattractors may be positioned substantially centered between the proximaland distal edges thereof such that the moment arm associated with themagnetic force is reduced.

Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the disclosurewill be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and arrangements for thedisclosed apparatuses, assemblies, methods, and systems. These drawingsin no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to thedisclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of theportable computing device in the form of portable computing device in anopen (lid) state according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 shows the portable computing device of FIG. 1 in a closed (lid)configuration that shows rear cover and logo according to an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in anopen state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an external view of the bottom case of the portablecomputing device of FIG. 1 or 3 according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of a mechanical fasteneraccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a top case according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates the alignment between an attractor and a magneticelement according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic elementcomprising one magnet and one shunt and an attractor according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic elementcomprising a Halbach array and one shunt and an attractor according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic elementcomprising two magnets and one shunt and an attractor according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic elementcomprising one magnet sandwiched between two shunts and an attractoraccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic elementcomprising one magnet with an alternate polarization configuration andone shunt and an attractor according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a side view through the magneticelement and attractor of FIG. 8 further comprising a spring according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a side view through the magneticelement and attractor of FIG. 8 further comprising a Hall Effect sensoraccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a method for magnetically coupling atop case and a bottom case according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to thepresently described embodiments are provided in this section. Theseexamples are being provided solely to add context and aid in theunderstanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent toone skilled in the art that the presently described embodiments can bepracticed without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well known process steps have not been described in detail inorder to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently describedembodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the followingexamples should not be taken as limiting.

The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptopcomputer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portablecomputing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case anda bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion or housing. Theportable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that canhouse a display screen and other related components whereas the housingcan house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpadand the like. The top case and the bottom case can each be joined in aparticular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offsetbetween top and bottom cases are not only reduced, but are also moreconsistent from device to device during the mass production of devices.These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below.

In a particular embodiment, the lid and housing can be pivotallyconnected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutchassembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple thehousing to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least acylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and acentral bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the centralbore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductorsbetween the housing and electrical components in the lid. The clutchassembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couplethe clutch to the housing and the lid of the portable computing devicewith at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed withthe cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count areminimized.

The top case can include a cavity, or lumen, into which a plurality ofoperational components can be inserted during an assembly operation. Inthe described embodiment, the operational components can inserted intothe lumen and attached to the top case in an “top-bottom” assemblyoperation in which top most components are inserted first followed bycomponents in a top down arrangement. For example, the top case can beprovided and shaped to accommodate a keyboard module. The keyboardmodule can include a keyboard assembly formed of a plurality of keycapassemblies and associated circuitry, such as a flexible membrane onwhich can be incorporated a switching matrix and protective featureplate. Therefore, following the top-bottom assembly approach, thekeyboard assembly is first inserted into the top case followed by theflexible membrane and then the feature plate that is attached to the topcase. Other internal components can then be inserted in a top to bottom(when viewed from the perspective of the finished product) manner.

In one embodiment, the keyboard module can be configured in such a waythat a keycap assembly can be used to replace a power switch. Forexample, in a conventional keyboard each of a top row of keycaps can beassigned at least one function. However, by re-deploying one of thekeycaps as a power button, the number of operational components can bereduced by at least eliminating the switch mechanism associated with theconventional power button and replacing it with the already availablekeycap assembly and associated circuitry.

In addition to the keyboard, the portable computing device can include atouch sensitive device along the lines of a touch pad, touch screen,etc. In those embodiments where the portable computing device includes atouch pad the touch pad can be formed from a glass material. The glassmaterial provides a cosmetic surface and is the primary source ofstructural rigidity for the touchpad. The use of the glass material inthis way significantly reduces the overall thickness of the touchpadcompared to previous designs. The touchpad can include circuitry forprocessing signals from a sensor associated with the touchpad. In oneembodiment, the circuitry can be embodied as a printed circuit board(PCB). The PCB can be formed of material and placed in such a way thatprovides structural support for the touchpad. Thus, a separate touchpadsupport is eliminated.

In one embodiment, the top case can be formed from a single billet ofaluminum that is machined into a desired shape and size. The top casecan include an integrated support system that adds to the structuralintegrity of the top case. The integrated support system can becontinuous in nature in that there are no gaps or breaks. The integratedsupport system can be used to provide support for individual components(such as a keyboard). For example, the integrated support system cantake the form of ribs that can be used as a reference datum for akeyboard. The ribs can also provide additional structural support due tothe added thickness of the ribs. The ribs can also be used as part of ashield that help to prevent light leaking from the keyboard as well asact as a Faraday cage that prevents leakage of extraneouselectromagnetic radiation.

The continuous nature of the integrated support system can result in amore even distribution of an external load applied to the multi-parthousing resulting in a reduced likelihood of warping, or bowing thatreduces risk to internal components. The integrated support system canalso provide mounting structures for those internal components mountedto the multi-part housing. Such internal components include a massstorage device (that can take the form of a hard disk drive, HDD, orsolid state drive, SSD), audio components (audio jack, microphone,speakers, etc.) as well as input/output devices such as a keyboard andtouch pad.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-15. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIGS. 1-15 show various views of the portable computing device inaccordance with various embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a front facingperspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device inthe form of portable computing device 100 in an open (lid) state.Portable computing device 100 can include base portion or “housing” 102formed of bottom case 104 fastened to top case 106. Housing 102 can bepivotally connected to lid portion 108 by way of clutch assembly 110hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Housing 102 can have an overalluniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly 110 and inset portion112 suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion 108 by, forexample, a finger. Top case 106 can be configured to accommodate varioususer input devices such as keyboard 114 and touchpad 116. Keyboard 114can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having anassociated key pad 118. In one embodiment, an audio transducer (notshown) can use selected portions of keyboard 114 to output audio signalssuch as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be locatedat a side portion of top case 106 that can be spaced apart to improvefrequency response of an associated audio circuit.

Each of the plurality of key pads 118 can have a symbol imprintedthereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular keypad. Keyboard 114 can be arranged to receive a discrete input at eachkeypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In thedescribed embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etchedthereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will notfade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life ofportable computing device 100. In order to reduce component count, akeycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example,key pad 118-1 can be used as power button 118-1. In this way, theoverall number of components in portable computing device 100 can becommensurably reduced.

Touch pad 116 can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A fingergesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied inunison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such asa swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit intouch pad 116 and converted to electrical signals that are passed to aprocessing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device100 can be at least partially controlled by touch.

Lid portion 108 can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly 110 fromthe closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lidportion 108 can include display 120 and rear cover 122 (shown moreclearly in FIG. 2) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion 108 andalso provide structural support to at least display 120. In thedescribed embodiment, lid portion 108 can include mask (also referred toas display trim) 124 that surrounds display 120. Display trim 124 can beformed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within aprotective layer of display 120. Display trim 124 can enhance theoverall appearance of display 120 by hiding operational and structuralcomponents as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display120.

Display 120 can display visual content such as a graphical userinterface, still images such as photos as well as video media items suchas movies. Display 120 can display images using any appropriatetechnology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portablecomputing device 100 can also include image capture device 126 locatedon a transparent portion of display trim 124. Image capture device 126can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion108 can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provideadditional strength and resiliency to lid portion 108 which isparticularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated openingand closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, theuni-body construction of lid portion 108 can reduce overall part countby eliminating separate support features.

Data ports 128-132 can be used to transfer data and/or power between anexternal circuit(s) and portable computing device 100. Data ports128-132 can include, for example, input slot 128 that can be used toaccept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports 130 and132 can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB,FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, speaker grid 134can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosedwithin housing 102.

FIG. 2 shows the portable computing device 100 in a closed (lid)configuration that shows rear cover 122 and logo 202. In one embodiment,logo 202 can be illuminated by light from display 120. It should benoted that in the closed configuration, lid portion 108 and housing 102form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuouslyvarying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel ofportable computing device 100.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing device300 that is smaller than portable computing device 100. Since portablecomputing device 300 is smaller in size than portable computing device100, certain features shown in FIG. 1 are modified, or in some caseslacking, in portable computing device 300. For example, housing 302 canbe reduced in size such that separate speakers (such as speaker grid134) are replaced with an audio port embodied as part of keyboard 114.However, bottom case 304 and top case 306 can retain many of thefeatures described with regards to portable computing device 100 (suchas display 120 though reduced to an appropriate size).

FIG. 4 shows an external view of bottom case 104 showing relativepositioning of support feet 402, insert 112, and cosmetic wall 404 thatcan be used to conceal clutch assembly 110. Fasteners may extend throughholes 406 to secure the bottom case 104 and the top case 106 together.Support feet 402 can be formed of wear resistant and resilient materialsuch as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentiallyplaced vents 408 and 410 that can be used to provide a flow of outsideair that can be used to cool internal components. In the describedembodiment, vents 408 and 410 can be placed on an underside of top cover106 in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view ofan interior of portable computing device 100 from the outside. Vents 408and 410 can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary airintake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device 100(described below). In this way, vents 408 and 410 can help to maintainan adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of therear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted.

Vents 408 and 410 can also be used to output audio signals in the formof sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, aselected portion (such as portions 412 and 414) can be used to outputsound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of anaudio presentation by portable computing device 100. Vents 408 and 410can be part of an integrated support system in that vents 408 and 410can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside duringfabrication of top case 106. As part of the machining of vents 408 and410, stiffener ribs 416 (shown in FIG. 5) can be placed within ventopenings 408 and 410 to provide additional structural support forportable computing device 100. Stiffener ribs 416 can be formed usingwhat is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent tothe formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case106.

Moreover, trusses 418 can be formed between vents 408 and 410 incombination with ribs 416 can add both structural support as well asassist in defining both the cadence and size of vents 408 and 410. Thecadence and size of vents 408 and 410 can be used to control air flowinto portable computing device 100 as well as emission of RF energy inthe form of EMI from portable computing device 100. Accordingly,stiffener ribs 416 can separate an area within vents 408 and 410 toproduce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As well knownin the art, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RFenergy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. Inthis case, the size of vents 408 and 410 is such that a substantialportion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trappedwithin portable computing device 100. Furthermore, by placing vents 408and 410 at a downward facing surface of top case 106, the aesthetics ofportable computing device 100 can be enhanced since views of internalcomponents from an external observer are eliminated.

The portable computing device may include additional features configuredto enhance use thereof. In this regard, the housing 102, 302 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 3) may comprise the top case 106, 306 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1and 3) and the bottom case 104, 304 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). Thus, theportable computing device may include features configured to facilitateattachment of the bottom case 104, 304 to the top case 106, 306.

In one embodiment mechanical fasteners may be employed to secure thebottom case 104, 304 to the top case 106, 306, as schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 5. For example, a protrusion 508 may extend from thebottom case 104, 304 and a corresponding receptacle 510 may extend fromthe top case 106, 306. As illustrated, the protrusion 508 may include atip 512 that is larger than a stem 514 to which the tip is coupled. Thereceptacle 510 may include corresponding tip 516 and stem 518 portionsrespectively configured to receive the tip 512 and stem 514 of theprotrusion 508. Accordingly, the tip 512 of the protrusion 508 maysecure to the tip portion 516 of the receptacle 510 via interference fitwhen inserted therein.

However, use of mechanical fasteners may not be ideal. In this regard,mechanical fasteners may require a relatively large amount of heightalong the Z-axis. Further, mechanical fasteners may not providecompliance along the X and Y-axes. In this regard, screws or otherfasteners may be employed to secure outer edges of the top case 106, 306and the bottom case 104, 304 together after initially securing the topcase and the bottom case together with the mechanical fasteners.Accordingly, if the protrusion 508 is improperly positioned with respectto the bottom case 104, 304 or if the receptacle 510 is improperlypositioned with respect to the top case 106, 306, the top case and thebottom case may be misaligned when the protrusion and the receptacle arecoupled together and thereby it may be difficult to secure the edges ofthe top case to the edges of the bottom case with additional fasteners.

Further, mechanical fasteners may require increased force duringinsertion to fully engage, and hence a user may be unaware that amechanical fastener is not fully engaged after attempting to insert theprotrusion 508 into the receptacle 510. Also, during a drop event, ifthe protrusion 508 pops out of the receptacle 510, the protrusion mayremain disengaged due to the extra force required to engage the tip 512in the tip portion 516 of the receptacle 510. Accordingly, the bottomcase 104, 304 may bow outwardly from the top case 106, 306, and hencethe bottom case may rub on a surface on which the portable computingdevice is placed. Further, when the bottom case 104, 304 is bowedoutwardly, the shock dynamics of the portable computing deviceassociated with a drop event may be affected. Also, it may be possibleto inadvertently damage internal components of the personal computingdevice with the protrusions 508 if they are misaligned with thereceptacles 510 during attachment of the bottom case 104, 304 to the topcase 106, 306.

Accordingly, alternate embodiments of mechanisms for fastening thebottom case 104, 304 to the top case 106, 306 are provided. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment the top case 106, 306 maydefine one or more pockets 518 each respectively comprising an opening520. The pockets 518 may be defined in one or more walls 522 extendingfrom an inner surface 524 of the top case 106, 306. As illustrated, thetop case 106, 306 may comprise a uni-body top case with the walls 522comprising integral portions thereof extending from the inner surface524. Use of a uni-body top case may provide a relatively strong andlightweight structure with precise positioning of the portions thereof.However, in other embodiments the walls 522 and/or other components ofthe top case 106, 306 may comprise separate structures that are attachedthereto.

A magnetic element 526 may be received in each pocket 518. Variousembodiments of magnetic elements 526 may be employed, as will bedescribed below. Generally, however, the magnetic elements 526 may beconfigured to produce a magnetic field and secure the bottom case 104,304 to the top case 106, 306. In the illustrated embodiment the portablecomputing device includes two pockets 518 with magnetic elements 526respectively received therein. In this regard, as illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3, the housing 102, 302 may define a rectangular configuration, withthe two pockets 518 and magnetic elements 526 spaced along the longerdimension thereof to secure the housing 102, 302 along the lengththereof. However, various other numbers of pockets 518 and magneticelements 526 may be employed in other embodiments.

In this regard, in one embodiment the bottom case 104, 304 may comprisea ferromagnetic material or an iron-based material such as low carbonsteel, which is configured to attract to the magnetic field produced bythe magnetic elements 526. Thus, in one embodiment the bottom case 104,304 may itself comprise an attractor. In other words, the attractor maybe integral with the bottom case 104, 304.

However, in another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the bottomcase 104, 304 may comprise one or more separate attractors 528configured to attract to the magnetic field produced by the magneticelements 526. The attractors 528 may comprise a ferromagnetic materialor an iron-based material such as low carbon steel, which is configuredto attract to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements 526.By way of example, the attractors may comprise plates that are securedto an inner surface 530 of the bottom case 104, 304 (note that FIG. 4illustrates an outer surface 532 of the bottom case, with the attractors528 illustrated in phantom).

As shown in FIG. 7, which schematically illustrates a bottom viewthrough the attractor 528 when the bottom case 104, 304 is secured tothe top case 106, 306, the attractors may each define a surface areathat is relatively larger than the opening 520 to a respective one ofthe pockets 518. By selecting the area of the attractors 528 to belarger than the openings 520 to the pockets 518, the attractors maydefine a larger area than the magnetic elements 526. The additional areadefined by the attractors 528 may provide compliance in the X and Y-axessuch that the bottom case 104, 304 is provided with horizontalcompliance relative to the top case 106, 306. Accordingly, issues withrespect to aligning the top case 106, 306 relative to the bottom case104, 304 may be avoided. For example, fasteners may be directed throughholes 406 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) in the bottom case 104, 304 into the topcase 106, 306. Note that in alternate embodiments additional magneticelements may be employed in place of fasteners extending through theholes 406 in the bottom case 104, 304.

FIGS. 8-13 schematically illustrate cross-sectional views through thehousing 102, 302 illustrating embodiments of the magnetic element 526 inthe pocket 518 in the wall 522. It should be understood that variousother embodiments of magnetic elements may be employed, and theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8-13 are provided for example purposesonly. FIGS. 8-10 and 13 and illustrate cross-sectional views along theY-axis and FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate cross-sectional views along theX-axis in terms of the axes illustrated in FIG. 4. The magnetic elements526 may define substantially constant cross-sections along the lengthsthereof, with the exception of the components thereof conforming to theshape of the pocket 518. Further, when the attractor 528 is magneticallycoupled to the magnetic element 526, a gap may be defined therebetween,or the magnetic element and the attractor may contact one another. Inthis regard, both the magnetic element 526 and the attractor 528 maydefine planar surfaces configured to engage one another in someembodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic element 526A comprisingone magnet 534A and one shunt 536A. The magnets disclosed herein maycomprise neodymium, although various other embodiments of magneticmaterials may be employed in other embodiments. The shunts may comprisea piece of low carbon steel or other iron-based material. The shunts maybe configured to divert and directionalize a magnetic field produced bythe magnet in a desired direction. In this regard, the shunts may beconfigured to direct the magnetic field produced by the magnetsassociated therewith through the opening 520 to the pocket 518.Accordingly, the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements 526may attract the attractor 528 while limiting the amount of magneticfield extending in other directions. Thereby, for example, issues withrespect to flux leakage outside of the housing 102, 302 or into a massstorage device 538 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) in the portable computing devicemay be avoided.

Returning to FIG. 8, the particular embodiment of the magnetic element526A illustrated therein includes the shunt 536A positioned in thepocket 518 between the inner surface 524 of the top case 106, 306 andthe magnetic element. Accordingly, the magnetic field may be directedalong the Z-axis. For example, the magnetic field may be directed towardthe attractor 528, as illustrated.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the magnetic element 526Bcomprises a Halbach array of three magnets 534B that form ahorseshoe-shaped magnetic field. A shunt 536B may be positioned betweenthe magnets 534B and the inner surface 524 of the top case 106, 306 asdescribed above.

FIG. 10 illustrates a magnetic element 526C comprising a modifiedHalbach array of two magnets 534C. This arrangement also produces ahorseshoe-shaped magnetic field while employing one less magnet, whichmay thus reduce the cost thereof. A shunt 536C may be positioned betweenthe magnets 534C and the inner surface 524 of the top case 106, 306 asdescribed above.

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic element 526D comprising a magnet 534Dpositioned between two shunts 536D on opposing sides thereof along theY-axis. The magnetic element 526D may produce a relatively strongermagnetic force at short distances and a relatively lesser magnetic forceat longer distances, as compared to the Halbach array illustrated inFIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a magnetic element 526E comprising one magnet 534Ewith a shunt 536E positioned between the inner surface 524 of the topcase 106, 306 and the magnet. However, in contrast to the embodiment ofthe magnetic element 526A illustrated in FIG. 8, the magnetic element526E is polarized along the Y-axis.

FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic element 526F comprising one magnet 534Fwith a shunt 536F positioned between the inner surface 524 of the topcase 106, 306 and the magnet. Further, the magnet 534F is polarizedalong the Z-axis. Accordingly, the magnetic element 526F issubstantially similar to the magnetic element 526A illustrated in FIG.8. However, FIG. 13 differs in that a spring 540 is positioned betweenthe magnetic element 526F and the inner surface 524 of the top case 106,306.

The spring 540, which may be included with any of the embodiments ofmagnetic elements 526 disclosed herein, may be configured to bias themagnetic element 526 toward the opening 520 to the pocket 518. Forexample, the spring 540 may bias the magnetic element 526 outwardlytherefrom or allow the magnetic element to move outwardly therefrom, asillustrated in FIG. 13. Accordingly, by displacing the magnetic element526 toward the opening 520 to the pocket 518, an initial separationdistance between the magnetic element and the attractor 528 may bereduced such that magnetic coupling therebetween may be encouraged. Inembodiments in which the attractor 528 contacts the magnetic element526, the spring 540 may compress after engagement therebetween (e.g.,due to use of fasteners extending through the holes 406 in the bottomcase 104, 304 to the top case 106, 306), or the magnetic element may befully received in the pocket 518 in the unbiased configuration. Thespring 540 may comprise various embodiments, such as a coil spring, oran elastomeric material such as a foam or rubber.

FIG. 14 illustrates the magnetic element 526A, as described above withrespect to FIG. 8. However, a Hall Effect sensor 542 is also provided.The Hall Effect sensor 542, which may be employed with any of theembodiment of magnetic elements 526 disclosed herein, may be configuredto detect a change in the magnetic field associated with magneticdecoupling of the magnetic element 526 from the attractor 528. Thus, theHall Effect sensor 542 may be configured to detect removal of the bottomcase 104, 304 from the top case 106, 306. Accordingly, for example, theHall Effect sensor 542 may be configured to detect when a user hasaccessed internal components within the housing 102, 302 defined by thetop case 106, 306 and the bottom case 104, 304.

The portable computing device may include additional features configuredto facilitate use thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lid portion 308and the housing 302 may be hingedly coupled at respective proximal edges602, 604 and respectively extend to distal edges 606, 608. In order toassist in releasably retaining the lid portion 308 in a closedconfiguration with respect to the housing 302, the lid portion and thehousing may respectively include magnetic elements 610 and attractors612. Various embodiments of magnetic elements and attractors may beemployed as described above. Further, the magnetic elements 610 may bepositioned at the lid portion 308 and the attractors 612 may bepositioned at the housing 302 in an alternate embodiment.

The magnetic elements 610 may attract the lid portion 308 such that itmay be releasably retained in a closed configuration. As illustrated,the magnetic elements 610 and attractors 612 may be positioned near thedistal edges 606, 608 of the housing 302 and the lid portion 308.However, by placing the magnetic elements 610 and attractors 612 atthese locations, it may be difficult for a user to open the lid portion308. In this regard, the user may open the lid portion 308 by graspingthe lid portion at the distal edge 608 thereof. Accordingly, the usermay have to overcome the full magnetic force produced at the distal edge608 of the lid portion 308, which has a relatively large moment arm.

Accordingly, as further illustrated in FIG. 3, magnetic elements 614 andattractors 616 may be respectively positioned on the housing 302 and thelid portion 308 (or vice versa) at an alternate location. In particular,as illustrated, the magnetic elements 614 and the attractors 614 may besubstantially centered with respect to the proximal edges 602, 604 andthe distal edges 606, 608 thereof. Accordingly, a user may not have todirectly overcome the magnetic force, and the moment arm of the magneticforce may be reduced.

Further, by securing the lid portion 308 between the proximal 602, 604and distal 606, 608 edges, the center of the lid portion may not tend tobow outwardly relative to the housing 302, as may occur when they aremagnetically secured at the distal edges. Additionally, positioning themagnetic elements 614 and the attractors 616 between the proximal edges602, 604 and the distal edges 606, 608 of the housing 302 and the lidportion 308, and substantially in alignment with the center of gravityof the personal computing device may assist the magnetic elements andthe attractors in retaining the lid portion 308 in a closedconfiguration during a drop event. Accordingly, positioning the magneticelements 614 and the attractors 616 between the proximal edges 602, 604and the distal edges 606, 608 of the housing 302 and the lid portion 308may be preferable. Note that this arrangement may be employed in otherembodiments of the personal computing device described herein.

In some embodiments the magnetic elements disclosed herein may beconfigured in accordance with the disclosure provided in U.S. Pat. No.7,486,165 to Ligtenberg et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,583,500 to Ligtenberget al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A related method is also provided. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the methodmay include providing a top case defining a pocket with an opening andproviding a bottom case with an attractor positioned at an inner surfacethereof at operation 700. Further, the method may include inserting amagnetic element in the pocket in the top case at operation 702. Themagnetic element may comprise a magnet configured to produce a magneticfield and a shunt configured to direct the magnetic field through theopening to the pocket. The method may additionally include securing thebottom case to the top case by magnetically coupling the magneticelement to the attractor at operation 704.

In some embodiments the method may further comprise coupling theattractor to the inner surface of the bottom case. The method may alsoinclude fastening the bottom case to the top case with a plurality offasteners. Additionally, the method may include positioning a HallEffect sensor proximate the magnetic element. The Hall Effect sensor maybe configured to detect a change in the magnetic field associated withmagnetic decoupling of the magnetic element from the attractor duringremoval of the bottom case from the top case.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodiedin numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certainchanges and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood thatthe disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but ratheris to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A housing for a portable computing device, thehousing comprising: a top case having a pocket protruding from an innersurface of the top case, the pocket positioned within a central regionof the top case and having a shape and size for accommodating a magneticelement configured to produce a magnetic field; and a bottom case thatcooperates with the top case when in a secured configuration to define avolume for accommodating components of the portable computing device,the bottom case including a magnetic attractor that magnetically coupleswith the magnetic element of the top case aligning the top case relativeto the bottom case and maintaining a shape of the top case and thebottom case when in the secured configuration.
 2. The housing of claim1, wherein edges of the top case are aligned with edges of the bottomcase when the magnetic attractor is magnetically coupled with themagnetic element.
 3. The housing of claim 1, wherein the housing isconfigured to be hingedly coupled to a lid portion of the portablecomputing device.
 4. The housing of claim 1, wherein a peripheral regionof the top case is secured to the bottom case by a fastener when topcase is secured to the bottom case.
 5. The housing of claim 4, whereinthe fastener is positioned proximate to a clutch assembly of theportable computing device, the clutch assembly configured to pivotallycouple a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing. 6.The housing of claim 1, wherein a peripheral region of the top case issecured to the bottom case by a plurality of fasteners positionedproximate one or more edges of the bottom case.
 7. The housing of claim1, wherein the magnetic attractor defines a surface area that is largerthan a surface area of the pocket.
 8. The housing of claim 1, whereinthe pocket is part of a wall of the top case.
 9. The housing of claim 8,wherein the wall separates at least two components within the volume,wherein the wall limits an amount of the magnetic field reaching the atleast two components.
 10. A portable computing device, comprising: ahousing configured to be hingedly coupled to a lid portion of theportable computing device, the housing comprising: a first sectionhaving perimeter walls defining an interior region configured toaccommodate internal components of the portable computing device, thefirst section having an internal wall positioned within the interiorregion, wherein the internal wall includes a magnetic element positionedtherein configured to produce a magnetic field, and a second sectionconfigured to couple with the first section and enclose the interiorregion, the second section including a magnetic attractor thatmagnetically couples with the magnetic element of the first sectionaligning the first section relative to the second section.
 11. Theportable computing device of claim 10, wherein the first section issecured to the second section by a fastener.
 12. The portable computingdevice of claim 11, wherein fastener is within a peripheral region ofthe second section.
 13. The portable computing device of claim 10,wherein the first section is shaped to accommodate one or both of akeyboard module and a touch sensitive device.
 14. The portable computingdevice of claim 10, wherein the second section includes a plurality offasteners that cooperate to mechanically couple the second section withthe first section.
 15. The portable computing device of claim 14,wherein a first portion of the plurality of fasteners is positionedproximate a first edge of the second section, and a second portion ofthe plurality of fasteners is positioned proximate a second edge of thesecond section opposite the first edge.
 16. The portable computingdevice of claim 14, wherein the plurality of fasteners is positioned atcorner regions of the second section.
 17. A method of forming a housingof a portable computer, the housing comprising a top case and a bottomcase, the method comprising: positioning a magnetic element within apocket of the top case, the pocket protruding from an inner surface ofthe top case and positioned within a central region of the top case, themagnetic element configured to produce a magnetic field; and aligningthe bottom case relative to the top case by magnetically coupling themagnetic element to a magnetic attractor of the bottom case, whereinwhen the bottom case and top case are aligned, the bottom casecooperates with the top case to define a volume configured toaccommodate components of the portable computer.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein magnetically coupling the magnetic element to the magneticattractor maintains a shape of the top case and the bottom case when ina secured configuration.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:securing the top case to the bottom case using a fastener.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the fastener is positioned within aperipheral region of the bottom case.